As discussed in earlier blogs the start of the day is critical to how it will evolve. Both what you do and what you consume.

According to Ayurvedic philosophy your daily routine has effect on your immune system.

It will either build up resistance for your immune system or tear it down.  Ayurveda invites us to focus on morning rituals.  Rituals that work to align your body with nature´s rhythms.  Balance the dosas and build self esteem with self discipline.

My bad habit is to open my eyes, grab my phone and start checking e-mails, social media and the other noise in my life.  Then it is about getting the kids ready and out the door so you won’t be late for work. The excuse is that I don’t have time for any morning rituals.

Of course, if you plan to wake up a few minutes earlier you can. But, if you want to start by adding just one new ritual to improve your health. Do the following.  Start the day by having warm water and the juice from half a lemon.

Its simple but the return on that investment for your health is higher than you can imagine.

Here are a few reasons:

1. Strengthens your Immune system

High on Vitamin C and potassium. The vitamin C is great against colds. Potassium stimulates the brain and nerve functions and helps control the blood pressure.

2.  A better balance for your pH

Rich in acid that the body turns into alkaline once metabolized.  An alkaline body is the fundamental to a good health.

3. Weight Loss

High in pectin fiber. This helps fight cravings from hunger.  Studies also have shown that people high in alkaline diet lose weight faster.  By starting the day on the right terms. All choices for the rest of the day will reflect on that start.

4.  Digestion

Warm water stimulates the gastrointestinal tract and peristalsis.  This is what keeps the bowel moving.  Lemons and lime are also high in minerals. They are thus helpful in loosening toxins in the digestive tract.

5. A natural diuretic

Helps flushing out unwanted materials. Due to the increased rate of urination in the body.  This releases all toxins faster from the body.  Helping the urinary tract to stay healthy as well.

6. Clears skin

Vitamin C is beneficial in decreasing wrinkles and blemishes.  Lemon water purges toxins from the blood which helps the skin stay clear as well.

7.  Lymph system stays hydrated

Helps the body stay away from adrenal fatigue. Or, hydrated. If not well hydrated the body will have toxic buildup, stress and constipation to name a few symptoms.  The adrenals along with the thyroids create energy. Aldosterone is a hormone regulating water levels. As well as the concentration of minerals, like sodium in your body. It helps you stay hydrated as well as regulating your stress response.  So in short, critical for keeping the body in good function.

Try adopting this as your first of many morning rituals that I will introduce.  Try it for a month at least, and tell me if you can feel the difference.